Tag: Laura Haskins

Laura’s First Impressions of Seldovia

by Laura Haskins
Coming into the Seldovia harbor the other day, I must admit, I was a bit anxious.  Alan and I were very excited when he was offered the principal position, but he had been to town several times before and knew where we were going.  And while I love a good adventure, I felt a bit blind coming across the bay that day.  

I knew I would find a quaint fishing town nestled among some of Alaska’s most beautiful mountain scenery.  I had seen pictures, after all, and Alan had been talking it up for years.  But the heart and soul of a community is its people.  Individuals create a collective character and give a place its personality and ambiance.  I had heard wonderful reports of the “friendly, easy-going folks” who lived here but still I wondered; what would I find?

Well, I believe in first impressions and, Seldovia, you make a great one!  I was overwhelmed by the charm of your boardwalks and the majesty of your landscape.  Pictures can never really do justice to such an impressive panorama.  But I was equally moved by the individuals I met – friendly and easy-going for sure, but also, genuine and sincere.  You made us feel welcomed and at ease in such a short visit.  We enjoyed walking around town and meeting folks as they worked in their yard and it was great visiting with you at church and at the dessert potluck.  Thank you especially to Paul and Jenny Chissus and to Doug, Kathy, Les and Shirley Giles for your gracious hospitality.

Alan and I have said many times we could live anywhere as long as there were good people, and we’ve found good people everywhere we’ve lived.  Seldovia is no exception!  I’m still anxious about moving but this time it’s not because I’m blind.  Now I can’t wait to come to town and really get to know the great people who make Seldovia home!

Editor’s note:  Alan will be our new principal at Susan B English school this upcoming year.  It was a total pleasure meeting both Laura and Alan on their first visit to Seldovia together!  They are a very nice couple, authentic folks, interested in Seldovia and her people, and I am sure they will be a great addition to Seldovia and our school!  They made a great first impression on us too!  🙂